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JANUARY BLUES
Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez eyed by TWO European giants for shock transfer after £107m midfielder loses starting XI spot
The 23-year-old recently split from his childhood sweetheart Valentina Cervantes
TWO European giants are prepared to make an audacious swoop for Enzo Fernandez - whose future at Chelsea is growing increasingly unclear.
The Argentine was a shock admission from the Londoners lineup for their weekend clash against Manchester United.
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Manager Enzo Maresca opted for Moises Caicdeo and Romeo Lavia instead saying he prefers their physicality.
But the snub leaves a huge question mark over Fernandez’s future at the club.
SunSport understands the midfielder is determined to fight for his place at Chelsea.
But a source said he has no intention of sitting on the bench for months on end if he falls down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
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And Inter Milan and Barcelona - two of Europe’s biggest clubs - are now both monitoring the situation.
The midfielder has copped flak ever since Chelsea signed him from Benfica for a British record £107million in 2023.
TalkSPORT host Rory Jennings claimed recently that he should "never play for Chelsea again" and that he is potentially the "worst" signing in Premier League history.
But Maresca has publicly spoken about the sympathy he has for Fernandez's struggles to live up to his price tag, not least given the turmoil in his personal life.
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Fernandez, 23, recently split from his childhood sweetheart Valentina Cervantes to live on his own - despite them having a daughter and son together.
Maresca said ahead of Chelsea's clash with United: "They are human beings and if you pay £100m that is not my problem.
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"You want to buy me then you pay that money.
"That does not mean that every game you have to be the best.
"At the end of the day they are football players and they cannot always be at the top level.
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Chelsea player ratings vs Man Utd
CHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.
Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.
But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo's sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.
Here is how SunSport's Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw...
Robert Sanchez - 3
Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.
That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.
His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.
Malo Gusto - 2
Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.
Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.
Wesley Fofana - 6
A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.
Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.
Levi Colwill - 6
That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.
For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would've been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.
Reece James - 5
Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.
More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto's position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.
Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.
Moises Caicedo - 9
Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.
Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.
Romeo Lavia - 8
Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.
Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.
Noni Madueke - 6
Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.
Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.
Cole Palmer - 7
In the first half, his signature 'Palmer touch' got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea's most creative outlet on the day.
Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.
Pedro Neto - 5
Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.
Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.
Nicolas Jackson - 5
Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.
Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.
In fairness to him, could've had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.
Subs
Marc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) - 5
A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) - 4
Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn't enough to win the game for his side.
Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) - 2
Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.
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"At this moment Enzo is not playing but there is no problem with Enzo.
"The noise about Enzo is because clubs pay so much money for them, people expect they will always be the best. That is not so.
"The only reason he is not playing is just because the physicality I prefer is from (Moises) Caicedo and Romeo Lavia."
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